How to Influence Sustainability Conversations and Actions in Your Organisation?
By Sarah Shannon
Sustainability regulation is looming on the horizon for many big organisations. This impending legislation serves as a powerful motivator for change, compelling businesses to meet legal requirements and align with economic, political, social, and stakeholder expectations. However, beyond compliance, many organisations genuinely want to reduce their material impact and reverse environmental damage.
So, how do you change hearts and minds, get everyone on board, and drive action within your organisation?
Involve Everyone in the Conversation
The first step is to openly engage everyone in your organisation – share the goal that together we can shift to a sustainable organisation. Encourage a diverse range of people across all levels to join the conversation – especially those working on the frontline. Their varied perspectives and inputs are invaluable in understanding the complexities of reducing your business’s material impact.
Understand the Resistance
People tend to resist change as they focus on what they must give up rather than what they will gain. So a good place to start is by identifying the core reasons behind any resistance to change. For example, do they worry lower quality materials will replace current materials, will it cost more to be sustainable so another core offer is dropped, will it take longer at the expense of tried and tested efficiency. Understanding these blockers allows you to start improving processes and practices effectively while reviewing innovative alternatives too.
Identify and Remove Blockers
Once you know the blockers, you can then identify gaps and bottlenecks to provide ideas and practical solutions that help overcome the resistance. A simple first step is to focus on quick wins. This not only demonstrates progress but also signals your commitment to change. Talk to your employees and suppliers about alternative technologies and sustainable materials that could improve processes.
Remember to celebrate these wins to stimulate further conversations.
Create a Supportive Culture
Fear of failure can hinder progress. Foster a culture where trying new approaches is encouraged, even if they aren’t 100% perfect. Ring-fence a budget to support your sustainability strategy, showing that the organisation is serious about making a change.
Ensure Leadership Commitment
Ensure the senior team demonstrates a commitment to listening to the conversation and removing blockers. Their active participation can significantly accelerate the shift towards a sustainable future.
Set Targets and Track Progress
Every organisation can set its own sustainability targets and track progress. They key is to gather all non-financial information, such as policies and carbon emissions data, in one place to gain a comprehensive view. Going forward it is easy to visualise year-on-year progress and proudly share your successes.
By incorporating these steps, you can effectively influence sustainability conversations and actions within your organisation, leading to meaningful environmental impact and a more sustainable business.
Be proactive, not reactive.
Reach out to Pulse Market now and find out how to streamline your non-financial reporting and spearhead your sustainability initiatives.